The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
